Learn GIMP

Introduction

GIMP is a powerful and complex open source image editing programme. The GIMPs tools are displayed as icons on the toolbox. A user can identify a tool by hovering over it. The name of the tool will appear below. Clicking on the icon will select that corresponding tool.

Version

GIMP version : 2.8.10

Configuration

No need to configure Its GIMP is part of the Ubuntu distribution. This can be opened from Applications → graphics → GIMP.

Other similar applications

GIMP Inkscape , XGimp image editor, etc

Working with the application

Functionalities

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Step 1 - Open GIMP Select File → New → select which size want to edit image → OK If you didn't get side toolbox please click on Windows then click Tool box. Insert image – select File → Open → Select image.	Step 2 - Select Tools Rectangle select tool : Select a rectangular Tool Ellipse select tool : Select an elliptical region Free select tool : Select a hand-drawn region with free with polygonal segments
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Step 3 - Crop Select the area that you would like to retain. The area can be extended or reduced by selecting one of the sides. Once your desired area is selected (the remaining area will turn grey or darker), then double click inside the desired area. The photo will be cropped to that size. The tool is used: To reduce the size of large images. To remove unnecessary areas in a photo.	Step 4 - Scale: Open the image that you want to work on in GIMP. Select the scale tool and click on the image. The image would then have tiny boxes on every side. Another box will pop up. You can insert the measurements that you want in this box. Or you could manually drag with the help of clicking one of the sides and reduce to the size you want. The tool is used: To reduce the size of heavy images. It makes uploading on websites more easy.
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Step 5 - Move After scaling an image, if you want to add another image to the frame, you would have to move the first image to the side. This can be done using the move tool. Select the move tool. Select the image. Click and drag to a suitable location. The tool is used: When there is more than one element in the window you are working on	Step 6 - Add Text Select the Text tool (a capital A). Now, drag the tool to were you want to insert text. A tiny box pops up. Type your text in the box. The size, colour, style of the text can be changed in the settings below the tool box. The length of the text box can be adjusted after you finishing typing your text by selecting the corners and dragging. The tool is used: To add a title or caption explaining the text is useful.
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Step 7 - Grayscale Select the image. Go to the menu bar on top and click on the 'Image' option. Then click on 'Mode' and finally click on 'Grayscale'. This would make the image grey. The tool is used: To make a photo black and white. It is preferrable for printing purposes.	Step 8 - Scale Image size Select the image. Go to the menu bar on top and click on the 'Image' option. Then click on 'Scale image...'. This would show you options of 'width and height' along with 'X resolution' and 'Y resolution'. Enter in 72 pixels in both X and Y spaces. This would help reduce the file to a small size. The tool is used: To reduce resolution which helps in file size. To make photos for uploading on websites (should not be used for printing).
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Step 9 - Transparent backgroundOpen the image you want to work on. Once the image is open, go to File → Export as → and save it as a .png file. Once this is done, go to Layer → Transparency → and see if the option 'Color to Alpha' is active. If yes, then click on it and say yes. This will make your background transparent. If no, this tool cannot be applied to this image. This tool is used: To make white backgrounds transparent.

Saving the file

Like in most applications, a file can be saved using the FILE – SAVE AS command, or by the shortcut key CTRL+S. Always give a meaningful file name, reading which you should get an idea of the file contents. Its saving in .xcf

Export and publishing files

A file can be saved using the FILE – Export AS command. Always give a meaningful file name, reading which you should get an idea of the file contents. Its Exporting file in .PNG .JPEG .JPG

Advanced features

- Modifying Images

Installation

Method of installation	Steps
From Ubuntu software Centre	Steps - type GIMP and install
From Terminal	Steps - type sudo apt-get install gimp and press Enter key. Type your password and press Enter to complete installation.
From the web	Steps
Web based registration	Steps

The application on mobiles and tablets

Currently there is no GIMP app but alternative many image editing App available at play store.

Ideas for resource creation

Modify pictures hight, width, size, etc and creating resources.

References

1. https://www.gimp.org/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GIMP